Wellbutrin Wellbutrin Xl, Buproprion, Losing Hair, Shiny Hair, Vitamin Deficiency
Posted over a year ago
I am experiencing severe hair loss - I was on Wellbutrin XL for a year and a half with no side effects, then changed doctors and we prescribed the generic, bupropion. That is when my marked hair loss began. I then switched to Lexapro, but felt like a ... more »
I am experiencing severe hair loss - I was on Wellbutrin XL for a year and a half with no side effects, then changed doctors and we prescribed the generic, bupropion. That is when my marked hair loss began. I then switched to Lexapro, but felt like a zombie, and so went back to the bupropion hoping that it was a vitamin deficiency that was causing my hair loss and not the med. But, with all sorts of supplements, my hair continues to thin - I used to have thick, healthy shiny hair, and now cannot bear to touch my head because it is so upsetting to have lost so much hair.
Has anyone else experienced NOT losing hair on the brand name Wellbutrin, then switching to the generic and losing hair? I don't want to give up the med because it has worked so well for my depression, but I don't want to loose my hair either. HELP!!
Thanks!
Jlt629 - I've been taking bupropion for 1 1/2 years. I couldn't understand what the hell was going on with my hair. It is thinning very badly. My hair used to hold a curl, no problem. Now I style it and before I leave the house it is straight. It just dawned on me that it could be the medication, so I googled it yesterday. Today I only took 1/2 a pill and I'm going to ween myself off the medication because I am convinced if is the problem. Also, I've noticed the texture of my hair is different, maybe that's why it won't hold a curl anymore. I'm very frustrated!!!
Sammysmith - I took the name brand Wellbutrin when I was 20 for a year and a half and never noticed any hair loss. 9 years later I was put on Wellbutrin again but my insurance told the pharmacy to switch it to Bupropion. I have taken this generic for only THREE weeks and my hair is half as thick as it was three weeks ago!! I want to sue the drug company or even my insurance for switching the prescription to something other then what was on the written prescription!! I'm furious. Not only am I going to go back into depression, I will now have thinning hair!! I'm 29 years old and supposed to be getting married in a few months and I'm so discouraged and self conscious because of this whole fiasco. I wonder what an attorney would say about this and if they could help us if we all went to one.
Sammysmith - I took the name brand Wellbutrin when I was 20 for a year and a half and never noticed any hair loss. 9 years later I was put on Wellbutrin again but my insurance told the pharmacy to switch it to Bupropion. I have taken this generic for only THREE weeks and my hair is half as thick as it was three weeks ago!! I want to sue the drug company or even my insurance for switching the prescription to something other then what was on the written prescription!! I'm furious. Not only am I going to go back into depression, I will now have thinning hair!! I'm 29 years old and supposed to be getting married in a few months and I'm so discouraged and self conscious because of this whole fiasco. I wonder what an attorney would say about this and if they could help us if we all went to one.
Missd - Been on Wellbutrin for about 5 years and never noticed anything except positive effects from it re my weight and depression. About a year ago, I started experiencing hair loss and like the above I am self conscious, depressed, stressed, angry because we can't seem to find the reason why. I did find out I have a Vit D def and just started taking supplements for that. My insurance does only cover the generic and now I'm thinking it's possible because I think my insurance switched it about then, but not positive. I have noticed that the generic doesn't seem to help my depression as much as the wellbutrin, but thought it was my imagination. Aren't the generics the same thing? I have no idea on what to do and agree with the above about lawyers! THis has caused so much stress and sadness. I too have noticed that lack of sheen, texture change...more course and not holding a curl. I'm tired of going to different docs to get dead end answers! i'm so upset, I'm tearing as I write this! I am so sick of depression coming in between my relationships with those I love and have tried several that haven't worked for me. Finally found one that works and now I may have to stop taking it because I will be bald if I continue! I'm 33...too young to feel this awful!!
Lex89 - I know this thread is quite old but I'm desperate to hear updates from any/all of you. I'm a 22 year old female and was on wellbutrin for about 9 months. A few months into taking it, I started to notice hair loss. About a few months ago it started to get worse... way worse. I counted 64 hairs in the shower the other day (I know it's crazy that I counted, but going bald at 22 is just as crazy). Anyway, I stopped the med cold turkey with minor side effects so far. I've been off it for almost 2 weeks and haven't noticed any difference in my hair loss. How long did it take for any of you to see results after stopping the med? Like a previous poster, I take a daily multivitamin, iron, and a hair/nails/skin supplement. I have always had depression issues but NEVER experienced hair loss to this extent (even after being under extreme stress in college). My only explanation is the wellbutrin. I've had recent bloodwork done, my thyroid checked, etc. I am honestly freaking out and desperate for help.
5 Replies